November 27, 2017

Manufacturing Week Proclaimed in Saskatchewan

The province’s dynamic manufacturing industry is the focus of Saskatchewan Manufacturing Week, which officially begins today.

Various events and activities are scheduled to take place throughout the week, with the goal of raising awareness of the nature and importance of manufacturing to the province, promoting business opportunities in the sector to a national audience, and emphasizing manufacturing careers as a viable choice for young people.

“Manufacturing Week is a chance to showcase the technologies and ideas that are driving the ongoing success of this industry in our province,” Economy Minister Steven Bonk said.  “We want to show people what Saskatchewan’s smartest and most versatile businesses are doing to be successful in the global marketplace and grow our economy.”

As of 2016, more than 25,000 people work in manufacturing in the province, producing shipments valued at more than $14 billion.  In real dollar terms, Saskatchewan’s manufacturing gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an average growth rate of 2.8 per cent per year from 2006 to 2016, ranking first among the provinces.  During that time, the value of Saskatchewan’s manufacturing shipments also grew at the highest average rate of any province—3.7 per cent a year.

For 2016, Saskatchewan’s manufacturing sector had the highest productivity in the nation, measured as real GDP per worked hour at $73.90.

Events planned during the week include high school student tours of manufacturing facilities in various locations across Saskatchewan, arranged with local school authorities and industry education councils.

To learn more about manufacturing in Saskatchewan, please visit www.saskatchewan.ca.